detrimental
What does "detrimental" mean?
"Detrimental" describes something that causes harm, damage, or a disadvantageous outcome. Think of it as a more sophisticated, precise way to say "harmful" or "damaging"—it implies that the thing in question is actively working against someone's well-being, progress, or success. It is primarily used in formal or academic contexts, such as medical reports, business analyses, or serious discussions about policy. You would rarely use it in casual conversation; instead of saying "that's detrimental to our friendship," a speaker would likely choose "that's bad for us." It is often paired with the preposition "to," as in "detrimental to health" or "detrimental to the company's growth."
"detrimental" in conversation
Office meeting
Do you think we should cut the marketing budget?
Do you think we should cut the marketing budget?
No, that would be detrimental to our Q4 sales goals.
No, that would be detrimental to our Q4 sales goals.
Used here to emphasize the severe negative impact on business performance.
Discussing health
I've been skipping breakfast every single day.
I've been skipping breakfast every single day.
That habit is detrimental to your energy levels throughout the afternoon.
That habit is detrimental to your energy levels throughout the afternoon.
Shows how the word is used to highlight a cause-and-effect relationship regarding health.
"detrimental" in a sentence
Smoking is detrimental to your health.
Smoking is detrimental to your health.
The constant noise in the office was detrimental to her concentration.
The constant noise in the office was detrimental to her concentration.
The senator argued that the new trade policy would be detrimental to the long-term stability of the economy.
The senator argued that the new trade policy would be detrimental to the long-term stability of the economy.
